Etiquette rules: when it is possible and impossible to recline the seatback in an airplane

After packing your hand luggage and getting rid of items that might not be missed by security, after all the vicissitudes you get to your plane. Having sat down in a chair, you can’t wait to watch a movie or read a book, but at this time the passenger sitting in front of you reclines the back of his chair. In an instant, your already cramped economy seat has even less room. Which begs the question: Are there specific rules for reclining an airplane seat? Answers it Reader's Digest.

Фото: Depositphotos

When and how to fold the seatback

Reclining the seat back isn't too much of a problem in first and business class, where there's plenty of room. But what awaits people who have booked seats in economy?

“Airline seats are designed to recline, so it makes sense for passengers to use this feature of their seat. However, how you recline your seat matters, says Lisa Orr, an etiquette and protocol consultant.

Therefore, in this case, there are several rules that passengers must adhere to.

“First, if you plan to recline, try to do it soon after takeoff so the passenger behind you doesn't get that surprise mid-flight,” Orr began explaining. “Secondly, you should first look around to see if there are any hot drinks or laptops on your neighbor’s table behind you.” If there's a high-risk item in there, you should let the passenger in the back know you're going to recline the seat so it can contain anything that could spill or get damaged.”

On the subject: Long legs and tonsils removed: 20 reasons why you can be dropped out of the plane

Knowing how long you'll be in the air also plays a key role in whether you should recline your seat.

“For red-eye or long-haul flights where you're expected to at least try to sleep, a reclining position is the norm,” says Jodie Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “For short-haul flights of less than two hours, it is normal to leave the seat back in an upright position.”

If food is served on your flight, there are a few rules that you must follow before, during, and after a meal.

“Because people always eat at different times on a flight, it can be difficult to coordinate their actions. You can at least partially straighten up while eating, Orr said. “But when, after a snack, you decide to recline your seat back again, be sure to look there and, if necessary, notify the passenger sitting behind you about this, and then carefully manipulate the backrest.”

Always be polite

What to do if the person sitting in front of you has thrown back the chair too far?

“Courtesy is key,” said Diane Gotzman, an etiquette expert, author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life and founder of the Protocol School in Texas. — Asking a favor from the person sitting in front of you requires the right tone of voice and a sincere request for help. Avoid a frustrated tone or aggressive behavior. You can always ask the flight attendant for help.”

It happens that a person will say “no” and reject your request. After all, airplane seats are designed to recline.

“If you feel that a reclined seat will be a huge problem for you during a flight, please make a request. But you must understand that it is perfectly reasonable for a person to refuse your request. Be prepared to accept his refusal very graciously,” Orr advised.

On the subject: Unwritten rules of etiquette for passengers

Likewise, if you recline your seat and someone behind you objects. There's probably a good reason for this.

“There’s no point in arguing,” Gottsman is convinced. - In most cases, the request should be granted. There is a reason why the person asks you to raise the back of your chair, and you should have looked around to check the situation before you did it.”

At the end of the day, we are all passengers on a plane that takes us to our destination.

“Airplanes are cramped these days, and a little attention can go a long way to make everyone more comfortable,” Smith said. “Before I board a plane, I remind myself how much faster it will be than other modes of transport. Think about looking at the journey in a positive way.”

Read also on ForumDaily:

Chinese coronavirus: is it worth wearing a mask on an airplane and how not to get infected while traveling

From the USA to Europe for only $ 1: a travel company holds an incredible promotion

No squirrels and peacocks: US airlines will limit the list of animals for emotional support

20 new rules at airports that will affect passengers in 2020

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.